What makes up a SASE architecture?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a customised cloud network architecture that can accelerate a company’s digital transformation by connecting employees to the internet, cloud services, software and applications, regardless of their location. It is a highly secure network platform that is delivered from the cloud edge and provides advanced cyber security to the user’s device.

SASE was developed to address the unique requirements of businesses in the age of remote working. It places an emphasis on security and cloud applications. As modern companies shift away from on-premise servers to cloud platforms, their data needs to be accessible to authorised employees and secure, at the same time. It reduces the complexity of endpoint protection and improves the overall user experience.

SEACOM Business has launched SASE network architecture to enterprises in South Africa. Our cloud-native model, powered by Zscaler, converges all security functions found in traditional architectures and delivers them from a global, multi-tenant cloud environment with 160 points of presence (PoPs). This reduces IT overheads, provides cyber security right down to each individual endpoint and improves cloud performance through a purpose-built platform.

How does SASE work?

Any SASE network will have five core components:

1. Secure web gateway (SWG) - These gateways stop unsecured internet traffic from entering a company’s internal network. An SWG shields employees from malicious traffic, vulnerable websites, viruses, malware and other cyber threats.
2. Cloud access security broker (CASB) - These brokers prevent malware infections, data leaks and regulatory noncompliance by ensuring the safe use of cloud apps. CASBs secure these apps, which can be hosted on public clouds, private clouds or delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS).
3. Firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) - FWaaS replaces physical firewalls with cloud-based ones that offer next-generation capabilities. These include improved access controls, URL filtering, advanced threat prevention and intrusion prevention.
4. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) - A zero trust network model ensures that trust is never assumed. Even though network traffic may be coming from within the business, trust is not automatically given. It gives remote workers secure access to internal apps once they have been verified on the network.
5. Centralised management - This involves managing all of the above services from a centralised console. This eliminates the challenges of policy management, change control, patch management and coordinating network outages.

These pillars form the foundation for a truly modern, simplified and secure cloud-based network. Enterprises stand to benefit through an improved cyber security posture while improving the ease of business for employees, whether on-site or working remotely.

This also helps to reduce network friction as a single-vendor system removes the need for multiple applications from different companies. IT costs are minimised and administration of the network is made easier as IT teams have a centralised overview of the entire network. For more information or to get a quote for our SASE networking architecture services, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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